Goodwill Industries International and Prison Fellowship Join Forces to Help Reduce Criminal Recidivism

Rockville, MD. — Goodwill Industries International and Prison Fellowship signed an agreement on June 16, 2010 to collaborate on job training and mentoring services for people who spent time in prison and at-risk youth, and to influence public policy initiatives. The partnership aims to help these populations make a successful return to their communities following their release, support the children of formerly incarcerated individuals and reduce the rate of criminal recidivism.

GII COO Steve Krotonsky (left) and Prison Fellowship COO Curtis Kemp

Goodwill® and Prison Fellowship will work together to engage their respective staff members nationwide and encourage local community partners — including businesses, social agencies, nonprofits and faith-based organizations — to assist with the efforts.

“Goodwill has demonstrated excellence in its services and programs that connect people from all backgrounds to achieve economic and social success,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “The partnership with Prison Fellowship will help ensure that people with a criminal history have the tools they need to become productive and independent members of society so that they can support themselves and their families.”

“The goal of the Prison Fellowship-Goodwill collaboration is to provide greater opportunity for ex-prisoners, their families and the systems that support them. These skills will help ex-prisoners succeed on the outside and increase the likelihood they will stay out-making communities safer for all of us,” said Curt Kemp, chief operating officer for Prison Fellowship. “The partnership will include vocational training, life skills, education and other comprehensive services.”

The agreement between Goodwill Industries International and the Prison Fellowship will enhance the dignity and quality of life for those people with a criminal background and allow them to rejoin the community successfully.